If you’ve been following our summer series, you already know that Seoul’s summers are a humid, sauna-like experience, and that Koreans have a unique philosophy called 이열치열 (Iyeol-chi-yeol)—fighting the outdoor heat with boiling hot, nutrient-dense food.
But did you know that there are actually three specific days marked on the Korean calendar dedicated entirely to this tradition?
These days are known collectively as 복날 (Boknal), often referred to as the “Dog Days of Summer.” On these dates, if you walk past any traditional chicken soup restaurant in Seoul during lunchtime, you will see lines wrapping around the block.
As your local friend Sam (쌤), I’m going to break down the fascinating history behind Boknal, explain the three phases of summer stamina, and share a personal culinary twist from my own recent Chobok dinner!
1. What Exactly is ‘Boknal’ (복날)?
The word 복 (Bok) translates to “prostrating” or “falling to the ground,” mimicking how a dog lays flat on the cool floor during a scorching summer day. 날 (Nal) simply means “day.” Together, Boknal represents the hottest, most energy-draining periods of the year based on the lunar calendar.
Rather than being just one day, Boknal is divided into three distinct phases spaced roughly 10 days apart between July and August:
- Chobok (초복): The beginning of the peak summer heat.
- Jungbok (중복): The middle, usually marking the absolute height of humidity.
- Malbok (말복): The final stretch, signaling that the worst of the summer heat is almost over.
Historically, in Korea’s traditional agricultural society, farming under the blazing July sun was physically brutal. To prevent exhaustion, heatstroke, and illness, people gathered to share high-protein, nourishing soups to replenish their stamina. Today, modern office workers in Seoul keep this beautiful heritage alive with the exact same passion.
2. The Reigning Champion: Samgyetang (삼계탕)
The absolute standard, go-to meal for Boknal is Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup).
As we previewed in our ultimate summer food guide, this dish involves stuffed whole spring chicken slowly simmered with ginseng, garlic, jujubes, and sweet rice. The ingredients work together perfectly: chicken provides easily digestible protein, while ginseng boosts blood circulation and fights fatigue.
On a typical Boknal, major corporate executives, university students, and neighborhood locals all stand patiently in the humid air for up to an hour just to get a seat at a historic Samgyetang spot. It is a shared nationwide ritual of self-care.
3. Sam’s Chobok Choice: The Glorious Galbitang (갈비탕)
While Samgyetang is the traditional king, not everyone in Korea chooses chicken on Boknal! Plenty of locals opt for other incredibly rich, steaming beef broths to supercharge their systems.
For this year’s Chobok (초복), I decided to swap the chicken for one of my absolute all-time favorite comfort foods: 갈비탕 (Galbitang / Short Rib Soup).
Caption: My delicious, steaming bowl of Galbitang for Chobok! Pure comfort in an earthen pot.
If you’ve never tried it, Galbitang is a majestic, clear soup made by slow-boiling tender beef short ribs for hours alongside Korean radish, garlic, and onions. The result is a profoundly deep, savory broth that feels instantly revitalizing.
The beef ribs are cooked until the meat literally slides off the bone with a gentle pull of your chopsticks. Served boiling hot in a traditional clay pot (Ttukbaegi) with glass noodles translucent at the bottom, it is the ultimate alternative stamina booster. Tearing into juicy beef ribs and sipping that rich, clear broth made me completely forget about the sticky humidity outside!
Quick Reference: Boknal Vocabulary Sheet
Want to impress your Korean friends or ordering at a restaurant like a pro? Here are the essential terms you need to know:
| Korean Expression | How to Pronounce | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 초복 / 중복 / 말복 | Cho-bok / Jung-bok / Mal-bok | The three official stages of the hottest summer days |
| 이열치열 | I-yeol-chi-yeol | “Fighting fire with fire” (The mindset of eating hot food) |
| 몸보신 | Mom-bo-sin | “Nourishing the body” / Restoring your health through food |
| 삼계탕 / 갈비탕 | Sam-gye-tang / Gal-bi-tang | Ginseng Chicken Soup / Beef Short Rib Soup |
Summary: Join the Summer Ritual
Adjusting to life or travel in South Korea means discovering that wellness is deeply woven into the daily food culture. Boknal isn’t a chore; it is an annual celebration of resilience, community, and delicious nutrition.
Whether you decide to go the classic route with a steaming bowl of Samgyetang or follow my lead with a hearty, savory pot of Galbitang, make sure you take some time this summer to slow down, nourish your body, and eat like a true Seoulite.
Over to You!
If you had to choose your ultimate summer stamina fuel, are you team Chicken (Samgyetang), team Beef (Galbitang) or team Pork(Bossam)? Have you ever participated in a Boknal rush in Seoul?
Drop a comment below, share your favorite spots, and let’s talk food!
다음에 봐요! (See you next time!)
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